By Staff
Law enforcement throughout Michigan in 21 counties will be enforcing safety belt laws the week of May 15 and will be joined by 34 more counties, including Cass and Berrien, from May 22 through June 4.
Our rural roads in these two counties account for many unnecessary fatal crashes.
The object isn't for the state to make money on tickets - it is to save lives.
The goal is to eventually reach a 95 percent seat belt use, though 100 percent would be much better. last year was a record high of 93 percent use.
This use of special weeks to encourage seat belt use with the possibility of losing money through tickets have proven very effective to increase the use at both state and national levels.
Along with the increase use there has been a decline in fatalities. In Michigan the number of traffic deaths dropped from 1,159 in 2004 to 1, 129 in 2005, which is a 2.6 percent drop.
Just seeing a police car seems to encourage seat belt use, as it does a drop in speed, if the driver is over the limit.
The check points are usually situated where crashes are frequent or it is determined to be a place of low seat belt use.
Portable signs are use to warn motorists the area is being monitored for seat belt use. Sometimes one officer will serve as a “spotter” who will then radio to a marked police car further down the road.
Don't forget the importance of proper child restraints and car seats, which should also be checked for correct positioning.
Don't just be looking for that special area. Use you seat belts always.